DNA encoding the human cytokine, interleukin-9

Abstract

The invention involves DNA molecules which encode a human protein of 144 amino acids, referred to as interleukin-9, or IL-9. The protein is an erythropoietic growth factor. Also disclosed are processes for producing the IL-9 protein via genetic engineering techniques.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An isolated DNA molecule which encodes a protein consisting of amino acids 1-144 as set forth in FIG. 1. 
     
     
       2. A plasmid which comprises the isolated DNA molecule of claim 1, operatively associated with a regulatory sequence. 
     
     
       3. The plasmid of claim 2, wherein said plasmid is pC5.22-3 (ATCC 67988). 
     
     
       4. A COS host cell transformed with the plasmid of claim 2. 
     
     
       5. A CHO host cell transformed with the plasmid of claim 2. 
     
     
       6. A process for producing a protein consisting of amino acids 1-144 of FIG. 1, comprising: (a) culturing the COS host cell of claim 4 under conditions favoring production of said protein, and   (b) harvesting any of said protein which is produced.   
     
     
       7. A process for producing a protein consisting of amino acids 1-144 of FIG. 1, comprising: (a) culturing the CHO host cell of claim 5 under conditions favoring production of said protein, and   (b) harvesting any of said protein which is produced.